Nothing can dampen Vladimir Coufal’s love for West Ham it seems despite suddenly finding himself third-choice right-back.
Many fans and observers felt it was imperative for West Ham to sign a top right-back in the summer.
While Vladimir Coufal has been a tremendous servant – and real bargain at just £5.5m – he isn’t getting any younger.
Coufal always gives his absolute all in a West Ham shirt.
As a result the Czech has become a real Hammers cult hero – and deservedly so.
His passion, professionalism and enthusiasm has – by David Moyes’ own admission – been central to West Ham’s rise in recent years.
But time waits for no man and all good things come to an end.
That’s the case for Coufal as the first choice right-back at the London Stadium.
Hammers favourite Coufal ruthlessly dropped by Lopetegui
After starting the season first choice, the brilliant Aaron Wan-Bissaka has come in for £15m on a seven-year deal.
So it was clear that Coufal would now be transitioning to back-up right-back.
After last weekend’s draw at Brentford, though, Coufal may now find himself West Ham’s third-choice for that position.
The 32-year-old was an unused sub and saw giant centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos go on at right-back ahead of him.
The big Greek has played there for Stuttgart in the past. The problem for Coufal is Mavropanos impressed manager and fans alike with his performance.
With Emerson struggling for form at left-back, many believe Julen Lopetegui could now switch Wan-Bissaka to left-back for a spell and play Mavropanos at right-back.
Some players may throw their toys out of the pram in such a situation.
Especially since Coufal has been no worse than anyone else under Lopetegui so far.
Although Coufal may have been ruthlessly dropped by Lopetegui, his love for West Ham is still strong.
Nothing can dampen cult hero Coufal’s love for West Ham
Yesterday marked four years since Coufal joined the Hammers.
West Ham took to social media to celebrate that fact, posting a picture of him holding aloft the Europa Conference League trophy with the words: “Four years of Vlad.”
Clearly emotional at the milestone, Coufal replied.
And if West Ham fans didn’t love him enough already, they certainly will now after his brilliant response.
Although it does sound like the start of a long goodbye this season.
“Four amazing years for this amazing club,” Coufal said on X alongside heart and Hammers emojis.
“Time is flying so quick.
“Always will be grateful for THE opportunity to join you Hammers.”
What a man Coufal is.
If every player showed this kind of attitude then who knows what the team could achieve.
He will undoubtedly still have a hugely important role to play this season.
But it increasingly feels like it will be his last in the claret and blue he has represented with pride and distinction.
A true Hammers cult hero.
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